Learn about the breakthrough chronic lung disease discovery

Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, have discovered a novel experimental treatment for chronic lung disease with the potential to improve lives.

For people with cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), treatment is difficult, however, researchers have found that the symptoms associated with both diseases can be alleviated through inhibiting the activity of an enzyme found in those with chronic lung disease.

This builds on a previous study led by Queen’s University Belfast that discovered high levels of a particular enzyme, cathepsin S, in the lungs of children with CF and this was associated with increased inflammation and lung damage.

The world of CF and COPD

Those suffering with cystic fibrosis experience blocked airways and inflammation, due to mucus thickening in the lungs, therefore causing sufferers to experience difficulties to breathe. This chronic lung disease is one of the UK’s most common life-threatening inherited diseases, with the average life expectancy in the UK being 40 years old, with a much lower life expectancy in developing countries.

COPD patients also experience heightened inflammation in the lungs as well as increased lung damage. According to the World Health Organisation, COPD is expected to become the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2030.

The CF research, published in the European Respiratory Journal, brought together experts from Queen’s University Belfast, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany, INSERM Paris, France and Virobay Inc. USA.

The key role of enzymes and chronic lung disease

Lead Investigator, Professor Cliff Taggart from the Wellcome-Wolfson Centre for Experimental Medicine at Queen’s University, said: “We know that this enzyme plays a key role in provoking symptoms of chronic lung diseases such as CF and COPD. We have now discovered that treatment to target this specific enzyme can significantly reduce inflammation, lung damage and mucus obstruction, key hallmark features of CF and COPD.”

Both studies examined the role of the enzyme cathepsin S in two different lung diseases and produced similar findings – that inhibiting this enzyme could alleviate the symptoms associated with both diseases.

Taggart explained: “Many drugs are developed as enzyme inhibitors, but they don’t target specific enzymes. This general approach may lead to significant issues including increased infection.

“The specific targeting of cathepsin S enables the delivery of a much more targeted treatment to address the symptoms without unwanted side effects.”

Finding ways to reduce and tackle chronic lung disease

Professor Marcus Mall from Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and one of the co-authors, added: “Excessive inflammation in chronic lung diseases such as CF and COPD leads to irreversible damage of the airways, progressive loss of lung function and ultimately death due to respiratory failure.

“There is a high unmet need for effective anti-inflammatory therapies for patients with these chronic lung diseases and targeting of cathepsin S is a promising strategy that can now be tested in future clinical trials.”

Lead author Dr Weldon from Queen’s University added: “Thanks to this research, we now understand the causes and how to reduce the symptoms associated with both CF and COPD. Moving forward, we need to apply this knowledge in further testing so that ultimately, we can improve the quality of life for those affected by these diseases.”

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